Title: Phthalic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 88-99-3
CAS Name: 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid
Molecular Formula: C8H6O4
Molecular Weight: 166.13
Percent Composition: C 57.84%, H 3.64%, O 38.52%
Literature References: Manufactured by catalytic oxidation of
o-toluic acid and oxidation of xylene: Taylor, Dean,
US 3064046 (1962 to I.C.I.); Cier,
US 3088974 (1963 to Esso Res. & Eng.). Isoln from the fungus,
Gibberella fujikuroi: Cross
et al., J. Chem. Soc. 1963, 2937. Toxicity studies: C. B. Shaffer
et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 27, 130 (1945); A. R. Singh
et al., J. Pharm. Sci. 61, 59 (1972). Review of toxicology: A. M. Api,
Food Chem. Toxicol. 39, 97-108 (2001).
Properties: Crystals, mp ~230° when rapidly heated, forming phthalic anhydride and water. One gram dissolves in 160 ml water, 10 ml alc, 205 ml ether, 5.3 ml methanol. Practically insol in chloroform. LD50 orally in rats: 7.9 g/kg (Shaffer).
Melting point: mp ~230° when rapidly heated
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 7.9 g/kg (Shaffer)
Derivative Type: Ethyl ester
CAS Registry Number: 84-66-2
Synonyms: Ethyl phthalate; diethyl phthalate
Trademarks: Neantine (Givaudan); Palatinol A (Advanced Solvents)
Molecular Formula: C12H14O4
Molecular Weight: 222.24
Percent Composition: C 64.85%, H 6.35%, O 28.80%
Literature References: Review of toxicology and human exposure:
Toxicological Profile for Diethyl Phthalate (PB95-264214, 1995) 159 pp.
Properties: Colorless, practically odorless, oily liq; bitter disagreeable taste. d414 1.232. bp 295°. Flash pt 140°C.
nD14 1.5049. Insol in water. Misc with alcohol, ether and many other organic solvents. LD50 i.p. in rats: 5.06 ml/kg (Singh).
Boiling point: bp 295°
Flash point: Flash pt 140°C
Index of refraction: nD14 1.5049
Density: d414 1.232
Toxicity data: LD50 i.p. in rats: 5.06 ml/kg (Singh)
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure to diethyl phthalate are irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, nausea; lacrimation; polyneuritis, vestibular dysfunction; pain, numbness, weakness, spasms in arms and legs.
See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 108.
Use: Ethyl phthalate used in manuf celluloid; solvent for cellulose acetate in manuf varnishes and dopes; denaturing alc. Vehicle for fragrance and cosmetic ingredients.